Slow Cooker Kidney Bean Beef

This easy slow cooker kidney bean beef is the kind of hearty, budget-friendly dinner that makes busy weeknights much easier. With just 5 simple ingredients—ground beef, canned kidney beans, onion, tomato sauce, and chili seasoning—you can create a rich and comforting meal with very little prep.

Everything cooks together in the slow cooker, allowing the beef, beans, tomato sauce, and seasonings to develop a savory, satisfying flavor. Serve it over rice, egg noodles, baked potatoes, or warm cornbread for an easy family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef and Beans

• Only 5 ingredients: Simple pantry staples make this recipe easy to prepare.
• Minimal prep: Add the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do the work.
• Budget-friendly: Ground beef and canned beans help stretch the meal without complicated ingredients.
• Hearty and filling: Kidney beans add texture and make the dish especially satisfying.
• Great for busy nights: The long, slow cooking time makes it convenient for weeknight dinners.
• Easy leftovers: The flavors become even more developed after a night in the refrigerator.
• Versatile serving options: Spoon it over rice, potatoes, noodles, toast, or cornbread.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 packet (1 ounce) chili seasoning

How to Make Slow Cooker Kidney Bean Beef

1. Lightly grease a slow cooker if desired. Add the raw ground beef to the bottom and break it into several large pieces.
2. Add the drained kidney beans over the beef.
3. Sprinkle the chopped onion evenly over the beans.
4. Pour the tomato sauce over the ingredients, then sprinkle the chili seasoning on top.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef reaches a safe internal temperature and the onions are tender.
6. Stir everything thoroughly, breaking the beef into smaller pieces and combining it with the tomato-bean sauce.
7. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper if needed.
8. Serve hot over cooked rice, egg noodles, baked potatoes, or alongside warm cornbread.

Easy Variations and Tips

Make it milder: Start with half the chili seasoning packet if you prefer a gentler flavor. You can add more seasoning toward the end if needed.

Make it thicker: Remove the lid during the final 20–30 minutes of cooking to allow some excess moisture to evaporate.

Add vegetables: Diced bell peppers, corn, or chopped celery can be added for extra texture and flavor.

Change the way you serve it: Try spooning the beef and bean mixture over baked potatoes, rice, toast, or warm tortillas.

For extra flavor: A little garlic powder, smoked paprika, or black pepper can add another layer of savory flavor without making the recipe complicated.

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Serving Ideas

This slow cooker kidney bean beef is delicious served with:

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Buttered egg noodles
• Warm cornbread
• Baked potatoes
• Green beans
• Simple green salad
• Crisp cabbage slaw
• Dill pickles